Will Google’s Glass project change the way we view the world?

March 13, 2013

<p>Remember when we used glasses to see? That seems like a big enough job. But not for Google. That's the theory driving Google's Glass concept. Google engineers have long been working on augmented reality glasses, specs that allow you to do everything from search the Internet to take pictures. Here's the fundamental question, though: Isn't real life interesting enough?</p> <p><strong>A new way to look at the world?</strong></p> <p>CNET recently reported that Google's Glass eyewear will hit the market by the end of 2013. And the gadget is going to be relatively affordable, retailing for $1,500. Google has pulled out all the stops to promote the product, as well. The company just released a slick promotional video showing consumers using and experiencing the augmented reality glasses. Consumers will use voice control to instruct the glasses to connect to the Internet, fetch e-mail and make phone calls.</p> <p><strong>Do we need augmented reality?</strong></p> <p>So, are Google's Glasses an example Google providing consumers what they really want, or are the glasses are high-priced novelty that will never catch on? It's hard to refute that there's some convenience to the glasses. You can use them, after all, to run directions to a new Chinese restaurant as you're walking down the street. You can make a call to tell a friend that you're running late. You can even pull up the subway timetable before heading underground to catch a train. But can't we already do all this with phones, mobile devices and, of course, paper and pen?</p> <p><strong>A connected world?</strong></p> <p>Is Google Glass merely the next step in our growing dependence on such mobile devices as smartphones and tablets? After all, how often do we use our devices to scan the Internet as we run to our next meeting? How often do we make use of them to check the weather forecast or get directions to the brand new restaurant in town? We can look at Google Glass as just one more piece of evidence showing how connected we really are to our mobile devices. It's going to be interesting to see, though, if people prefer an augmented, ultra-connected world.</p>